Roper is a small historic
community nestled between Plymouth and Creswell along Hwy 64.
Although primarily an agricultural community today, timber was once
king and Roper was known far and wide for its cypress and white
cedar shingles and lumber.
It all began in the early 1700’s when Captain Thomas Blount built a
water-powered lumber mill that brought recognition to the area now
known as Roper. When he died his widow remarried Thomas Lee who
continued mill operations for many years resulting in the local
settlement becoming known as Lee’s Mill. Lumber products were barged
down Kendrick’s Creek to Mackeys and loaded on ships bound for
distant ports. Lee’s Mill was known as the industrial center of the
South Shore Settlements.
While most of the South was economically devastated after the Civil
War, Lee’s Mill prospered on account of an industrious Union
carpetbagger! John L. Roper from Pennsylvania was a Captain in the
Union Army serving in southeast Virginia during the Civil War. While
serving in the 11th PA Cavalry he became aware of the untapped
timber wealth in that part of Virginia and northeastern, NC. After
the war he moved to Norfolk, VA and began building a timber empire.
The John L. Roper Lumber Company came to Lee’s Mill in 1889 and
prospered for the next 30 years. So much so that the town’s name was
changed from Lee’s Mill to Roper. The population increased
dramatically and new homes were built and were the first in the area
to be wired for electric lights.
Today, the town of Roper is still a flourishing small town. The
focus has moved from timber to agriculture. Crops grown in the area
include corn, soy beans, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, watermelons,
sage, strawberries, and rice as well as aquaculture. The Roper
agricultural jewel is the 32,000 square foot Vernon G. James
Research & Extension Center that opened its doors in 1991. Located
on the NCDA Tidewater Research Station, this center houses the North
Carolina State University (NCSU) faculty, the North Carolina
Department of Agriculture (NCDA) management, and support personnel.
Research and Extension goals are primarily associated with
agriculture and natural resource topics with studies involving field
crops, livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and soil & water.
A picturesque boardwalk follows Kendrick’s Creek and the adjacent
Betty McCain Amphitheatre is a natural venue for concerts and
dramatic presentations.
The small town of Roper is a warm, close-knit community of
yesterday, poised at the crossroads of tomorrow; maintaining a close
connection to the land and time-honored values, while standing ready
to embrace the growth opportunities of the future.
Town of Roper History